fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 
 Former Choctaw Nation Tribal Council member Ron Perry,73, was charged with six counts of sexual battery last month in Choctaw Nation Tribal Court. Perry represented District 5 of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and was first elected to the Tribal Council in 2011. He resigned his seat the same day charges were filed against him.

An affidavit filed on April 1 by Choctaw Lighthorse Police Investigator Alena Bran includes interviews with half a dozen victims, referred to as “Victim 1-6” to protect their identities. All of the victims are employees of Choctaw Nation.

Screenshot 2025 11 28 102949

 

The affidavit paints a picture of a pattern of abuse occurring in 2024 and 2025. In an interview with Brant, Victim 1 describes Perry as picking her up when she stepped off a scale to weigh herself before grabbing her buttocks.  

Victim 2 details Perry trying to pull up her dress twice in one day. Victims 3 and 4 both stated that the former councilman put his hands down their shirts. Victim 5 detailed Perry frequently coming into her office to “grab on her,” and asking her for pictures of herself while talking about her body. During one incident, according to the affidavit, he ran his fingers across her vaginal area. A sixth victim claimed Perry grabbed her buttocks while she was working.

Brant and Lt. Tony Krebbs met with Perry on March 28 at the Choctaw Nation Community Center to discuss the accusations. During the meeting, Perry admitted to the wrongdoing, stating, “I just grabbed her ass,” when asked about Victim 1; and “Well, yeah,” when asked about Victim 4.

In a written statement released on May 8, Choctaw Nation Senior Executive Officer John Hobbs said,

“The Choctaw Nation is dedicated to providing a safe environment in which all members of our community can work without fear or threat of harassment, and we take these types of allegations seriously. This case is currently moving through our judicial system, so we are unable to comment further.”

Each count of sexual battery, if convicted, carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A preliminary hearing will be held on June 28.

Because there was more than one year remaining in Perry’s term, the Choctaw Nation is holding a special election to fill the now vacant seat. Seven candidates have filed to run. The election will be held on July 12

 

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Federal Court Dismisses Challenge to NY Indigenous Mascot Ban
Sen. Angus King Warns of ‘Whitewashing’ History in National Parks Under Trump Administration
Final Call for Donations as CRYP’s 2025 Toy Drive Nears the Finish Line

Help us defend tribal sovereignty. 

At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.

Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.

That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.

Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.

Stand with Warrior Journalism today.

Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
About The Author
Elyse Wild
Author: Elyse WildEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Senior Health Editor
Elyse Wild is Senior Health Editor for Native News Online, where she leads coverage of health equity issues including mental health, environmental health, maternal mortality, and the overdose crisis in Indian Country. Her award-winning journalism has appeared in The Guardian, McClatchy newspapers, and NPR affiliates. In 2024, she received the inaugural Excellence in Recovery Journalism Award for her solutions-focused reporting on addiction and recovery in Native communities. She is currently working on a Pulitzer Center-funded series exploring cultural approaches to addiction treatment.